Predators sign Dumont to four-year extension

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Nashville Predators signed forward
J.P. Dumont to a four-year, $16-million contract extension the
NHL club said on Friday.

Dumont, who is riding a franchise record 16-game
point-scoring streak, is second in team scoring with 45 points
(18 goals, 27 assists) trailing Jason Arnott by one point.

"J.P. Dumont's commitment, leadership, work ethic and
reputation as a big-game performer has helped him fit perfectly
into the Predators culture since he came to Nashville by choice
as an unrestricted free agent prior to the 2006-07 season,"
said Predators general manager David Poile on the team's Web
site (predators.nhl.com).

"When he expressed a desire to stay in Nashville, we jumped
at the opportunity to keep him as part of our team's foundation
for the next four seasons."

Taken with the third overall pick by the New York Islanders
in the 1996 draft, Dumont has posted 20-goal campaigns in five
of the last six seasons and has compiled 160 goals and 367
points in a career that has included stints with Chicago
Blackhawks and Buffalo Sabres.